Best Master’s in Project Management Online 2024
Are you one of those rare folks who can see the big picture and all the details that go into it? A visionary who can map out each step on the path to realizing your vision?
Then you have the makings of an excellent project manager. Maybe you should consider earning an online master’s degree in project management. Every business in every industry needs skilled project managers who can plan, budget, organize, supervise, and execute major business projects. A 2021 report by the Project Management Institute (PMI) projects that the global economy will need 25 million new project professionals by 2030.
A master’s degree from one of these top online project management programs can position you for a great career in project management.
Featured Online Master’s in Project Management Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Master’s in Project Management Programs of 2024
University of Wisconsin, Platteville
- Platteville, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,418
- Out-of-state$15,057
- In-State$7,831
- Out-of-state$17,191
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled6,773
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment35%
- AccreditationYes
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
- Winona, MN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$38,780
- Out-of-state$38,780
- In-State$10,890
- Out-of-state$10,890
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate98%
- Students Enrolled4,701
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment75%
- AccreditationYes
Sam Houston State University
- Huntsville, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,856
- Out-of-state$15,648
- In-State$5,765
- Out-of-state$13,108
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate97%
- Students Enrolled21,612
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment65%
- AccreditationYes
University of Kansas
- Lawrence, KS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,092
- Out-of-state$26,960
- In-State$9,989
- Out-of-state$23,951
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate92%
- Students Enrolled26,780
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment53%
- AccreditationYes
University of Mary
- Bismarck, ND
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$18,340
- Out-of-state$18,340
- In-State$12,244
- Out-of-state$12,244
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate79%
- Students Enrolled3,794
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment45%
- AccreditationYes
Florida Institute of Technology Online
- Melbourne, FL
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$12,240
- Out-of-state$12,240
- In-State$16,128
- Out-of-state$16,128
- Retention Rate6%
- Acceptance Rate100%
- Students Enrolled1,461
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment0%
- AccreditationYes
Georgetown University
- Washington, DC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$59,784
- Out-of-state$59,784
- In-State$54,672
- Out-of-state$54,672
- Retention Rate98%
- Acceptance Rate12%
- Students Enrolled20,935
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment38%
- AccreditationYes
George Washington University
- Washington, DC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$57,894
- Out-of-state$57,894
- In-State$32,850
- Out-of-state$32,850
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate50%
- Students Enrolled26,457
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment26%
- AccreditationYes
University of Southern California
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$60,446
- Out-of-state$60,446
- In-State$60,446
- Out-of-state$60,446
- Retention Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate13%
- Students Enrolled49,318
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
Elmhurst University
- Elmhurst, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$39,100
- Out-of-state$39,100
- In-State$32,500
- Out-of-state$32,500
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate71%
- Students Enrolled3,518
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment57%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.
We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This ranking is from 2023. To learn more, check out our full ranking methodologies.
Why Should I Get an Online Project Management Degree?
You don’t need a master’s in project management to become a project manager. That’s one reason to get it — you’ll be far more qualified than your peers.
Pay is another big plus. According to Payscale, project managers with a master’s degree make about 13% more per year than those with a bachelor’s degree in project management.
Benefits of a Master’s in Project Management
- Boost your salary and potential lifetime earnings
- Advance your project management career with a more prestigious degree
- Improve your project management skills
- Increase your chances of employability
Reasons to Get Your Master’s in Project Management Online
- Learn from wherever you want
- Keep working while you study
- Flexibility improves work-life balance
- Better for neurodivergent learning styles
How Long Does an Online Master’s in Project Management Take?
An online master’s in project management takes 2-3 years to finish. The timeline can change depending on a few different factors:
- Credit requirements
- The pace of the coursework
- If you’re a full-time or part-time student
- If you’re in an accelerated project management program
Timeline for a Master’s Degree
Average Length of Time
2-3 years*
Required Course Credits
30-60 credits*
*Varies depending on your school/program
Related Master’s in Project Management Degree Concentrations
As you research and select an online program, it’s important to carefully consider your career goals. Look for areas of specialization that align with your interests.
Here are five common project management degree concentrations that can make you more marketable in specific fields:
IT Project Management
Expect to learn about tech project governance, software development methodologies, and information technology infrastructure management.Leadership and Team Management
Develop leadership and people skills by understanding conflict resolution, team dynamics, communication strategies, and theories of motivation.Risk Management
Prepare to guide teams and businesses through thorny risk scenarios and uncertain times. Topics generally include risk analysis, risk management, and risk mitigation.Healthcare Project Management
Apply project management principles within a complex healthcare industry by mastering healthcare regulations, information systems, and processes.Agile Project Management
Learn to manage projects in dynamic environments where project demands and customer needs may change quickly. The focus is on adaptability, iteration, and flexibility.
What Jobs Can You Get With a Master’s Degree in Project Management?
A project management degree will provide excellent transferable skills that contribute to many careers. At most jobs, you will oversee projects, develop strategies, and coordinate tasks for team members. This makes project management a great starting point for most careers. However, some of the roles presented in the chart below will require additional certifications and experience to qualify.
Job Title | Average Salary (Sept. 2024) |
---|---|
Project Manager (IT) | $94,222 |
Operations Manager | $73,068 |
Project Engineer | $75,710 |
Quality Manager | $88,476 |
Senior Business Analyst | $90,792 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Master’s in Project Management
You don’t need a master’s degree to be a project manager, but having one is a significant advantage. A master’s degree gives you substantial credibility and expertise, increasing your chances of getting a job. Employers are more likely to favor someone with a master’s degree than a bachelor’s degree, which is the usual minimum requirement for project managers.
Explore More College Resources
View AllLooking to Advance Your Career? Consider a Master’s in Project Management
by Danika Miller
Updated October 4, 2023
How to Become a Project Manager
by Valerie Black
Updated August 19, 2024
Online Master’s Degrees
by Bianca Gonzalez
Updated April 16, 2024
View the most relevant schools for your interests and compare them by tuition, programs, acceptance rate, and other factors important to finding your college home.